How to build a wooden chess board with storage drawers

Building a wooden chessboard with storage drawers is a rewarding project that combines craftsmanship and functionality. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make one from scratch:

Materials:

1. Wood: Choose a hardwood like maple, oak, or walnut for the board and drawers.
   • For the board: Two contrasting types of wood, typically light (like maple or birch) and dark (like walnut or mahogany).
   • For the frame and drawers: A sturdy hardwood like oak or maple.
2. Plywood: For the drawer bases and possibly the back of the board.
3. Wood glue: Strong adhesive for assembling the pieces.
4. Screws or nails: For attaching parts, if needed.
5. Drawer slides: If you want smooth-running drawers.
6. Wood finish: A polyurethane or lacquer finish to protect the wood.
7. Clamps: To hold parts while drying.

Tools:

• Circular saw or miter saw for cutting wood
• Table saw (optional, but helpful for precision cuts)
• Drill and drill bits (for pilot holes and drawer hardware)
• Jigsaw (for cutting out drawer slots)
• Sandpaper (various grits, from rough to fine)
• Wood clamps to hold pieces together while glue dries

Instructions:

1. Create the Chessboard:

• Cut the squares: For a standard chessboard, you need 64 squares (8×8). Each square should be the same size. For example, if you want the board to be 16″ x 16″, each square will be 2″ x 2″.
• Choose your woods: Cut the pieces for the light and dark squares. You’ll need 32 pieces of each type of wood.
• Arrange the squares: Lay out the squares in alternating rows and columns. Make sure the dark squares are placed in alternating corners. The easiest way is to create a template or use a grid pattern for reference.
• Glue the squares: Apply wood glue to the edges of each square and arrange them on a large, flat surface. Press down and clamp them until the glue dries completely (about 1-2 hours).
• Trim the edges: Once the glue has dried, trim the edges with a saw to make the board perfectly square.

2. Create the Board Frame:

• Cut the frame pieces: Measure the perimeter of your chessboard and cut four pieces of wood for the frame, ensuring they fit snugly around the edge of the chessboard.
• Attach the frame: Use wood glue and screws to secure the frame around the edges of the board. Make sure the frame is flush with the chessboard surface and square at the corners. If you want a more refined look, you can miter the edges of the frame.

3. Build the Storage Drawers:

• Measure and cut the drawer pieces: Measure the dimensions of the storage space underneath the board. Decide how many drawers you want to include (typically 2-4, depending on your design). Cut the sides, front, and back of the drawers to size, and make sure they fit within the frame and slide freely.
• Assemble the drawers: Using wood glue and nails or screws, assemble the drawers by attaching the sides, front, and back pieces. Attach the drawer bottom (which can be plywood) to the sides using glue or nails.
• Install the drawer slides: Attach the drawer slides to both the inside of the frame and the sides of the drawers. This step ensures smooth movement. You may need to adjust the placement of the slides to make sure the drawers align properly.

4. Finish the Board:

• Sand the edges: Sand all surfaces to smooth out rough edges. Start with coarse sandpaper and gradually move to finer grits.
• Apply the finish: Apply a protective wood finish (like polyurethane) to both the chessboard and the drawers. This will protect the wood and give it a polished look.
• Polish the wood: After the finish has dried, you can lightly sand it with very fine sandpaper (like 400 grit) and then apply a final coat of finish.

5. Add Storage for Pieces:

• You can create compartments within the drawers for chess pieces. To do this, divide the drawer space with thin wooden dividers, creating slots for each piece.
• Alternatively, you could line the drawer with felt or velvet to protect the pieces.

Optional Enhancements:

• Engraving: Add personalization or decorative engraving to the frame or board.
• Magnetic Chessboard: Install small magnets in the squares and pieces to prevent them from shifting during play.
• Lid for the Board: If you want extra protection or a more elegant look, you can design a hinged lid for the chessboard that opens to reveal the storage space.

This project may take a weekend to complete, depending on your skill level and tools, but the result will be a beautiful and functional chessboard with plenty of storage for your pieces.